Building your own “Laptop” is Terrible and I LOVE it! - MaCase B21 Briefcase PC

[@dmoster]

I wanna see Alex get the form factor down to half the thickness with the same components using the machine shop, 3D printing, a faster portable LCD panel, and lots of that classic YOLO spirit.

[@noscopesallowed8128]

This would straight up make sense if the case was like 1/4th the thickness. Just make it thin enough to not be the size of a desktop.

[@NotAeroOnFortnite]

@@noscopesallowed8128half the size would be just a little bit thicker than the old laptops 😂

[@noscopesallowed8128]

@@NotAeroOnFortnite Yeah but that's fine. The whole make everything an ultrathin notebook fad that everybody is so obsessed with has ruined the laptop market. Nobody actually needs their laptops to be as thin as a sheet of paper. And if they weren't so obsurdly thin, you'd be able to fit actual hardware and cooling in them, not to mention upgrade slots etc... I daily a Dell rugged laptop with a whole ass handle on it. Literally would not trade it for the world. With my old laptop I had to worry about cracking it just by having it in my backpack. With my current laptop I just throw it in the back of the truck, drive 50 miles, and use it with absolute certainty that nothing stupid has broken it on the way there.

[@torpedo996]

@@noscopesallowed8128 My plastic Acer gaming laptop drops screws in my backpack. Granted I've opened the bottom panel many times for cleaning and upgrades.

[@UncleUncleRj]

@@noscopesallowed8128 Ruined the laptop market? There are plenty of large, tough laptops and the market is fine.

[@948320z]

This reminds me of the old school portable computers where "portable" means "can be moved without a forklift". Like the 28 lbs Compaq Portable PC from 1983, of which one of the selling point was that it's small enough to be carry-on luggage (and hilariously, airlines changed the standards shortly afterwards so that no longer applies lol)

[@phuzz00]

We used to call them "lugables".

[@jasonrubik]

@@phuzz00 Yea, I got a KayPro II back in 1995 and I didn't have a CP/M boot disk for it, and had no idea where to get one, so I must have abandoned that computer. I have no idea what happened to it, as I haven't see it in almost 30 years. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaypro

[@RowanHawkins]

And the one thing that all of those did that this didn't was they put the ports on the side where they won't get wet or dirty when you set the thing down.

[@rijjhb9467]

Or the Commodore SX-64

[@mjackstewart]

The first Mac laptops were like carrying a cinder block.

[@tobygregg]

No way you’re getting through airport security with that 💀

[@deathtrooper2048]

It looks like a bomb from COD

[@NOWNewsNetwork.tv.watchnow]

That laptop the bomb

[@horimo8920]

Ikr!

[@I_enjoy_some_things]

No way you’re getting out of high school with that grammar.

[@smashed_penguin]

I swear it's not a bomb, it might explode but it's not a bomb!

[@hhidd]

I feel like this concept could be a lot more comfortable and have better temps (for performance and comfort) if the display and keyboard were swapped. a fold down keyboard would give a much nicer angle to type on while giving the pc way more air to breathe. I'm positive you could engineer a method to be able to angle the screen/pc to have variable viewing angles too, which is really one of the only pros for the way it is in the video. (perhaps that's a way the LTT team can build something unique) I'd LOVE to see DIY laptops evolve more with the Thin Mini-ITX form factor (which uses laptop ram for slimness) and maybe even some Frore based coolers if they can handle the load. such an untapped market. i'd bet most ppl who get the chunky gaming laptops that stay plugged into the wall 24/7 anyways only do it cus theres not an option to DIY it.

[@cooper10182]

I have seen a portable computer from the late eighties that did that. 6-inch CRT and floppy drive with a flip-down keyboard. had to weigh 20-plus pounds and ran off of DOS, but I can see a better concept now with better microelectronics.

[@tagrtw]

This idea is awesome. I love the way you think

[@DrBF3000]

As far as I remember, there is modern Asus laptops with motherboard and cooler behind a screen.

[@asiatravel2010]

I was thinking you could 3D print an angled exhaust for the card, as well as a shaped funnel to bring cool air into the card. You could have a secondary exhaust for the remainder of the kit on the other side. The keyboard could be "fold out" with feet to stabilize use on a flat surface, if 3d printing exhausts was not an option. Or, you could remove the keyboard completely and replace it with a fitted plexiglass or carbon fiber sheet (or an array of output fans), use a Bluetooth keyboard that sits snug in the plexiglass for travel. I want to give it a serious go (I have a 3D printer on tap and plexi as well as carbon fiber here), but considering I would want to change out the display and would have no use for the keyboard the case is just too expensive for me - there does not seem to be an option to buy the case standalone.

[@casey360360]

I've wanted this for years. With USB monitors being commonplace now the idea isn't actually far fetched.

[@4RILDIGITAL]

Good luck hauling that monster around! Talk about a "Lap"-top, more like a workout! It might be cheaper than the industry-grade portables, but I'll bet it costs a lot more in chiropractic bills!

[@NicholasOrlick]

The Army bought these specialized cases for compact servers, designed to support 10-20 workstations within a headquarters tent.

[@helper_bot]

it could use some better protection if it were deesigned for army work @@NicholasOrlick

[@phydeux]

One small issue I noticed is that they didn't raise the bottom off the table, so that intake vent for the GPU is probably blocked by the desk. It would also be interesting to see how it performs with an insulation layer on the bottom of the keyboard panel. Something thin like neoprene might work to protect your hands. Then add some super low-profile fans to the left side of the case to pull air out behind the GPU.

[@J-wm4ss]

yea i was thinking to divide the side vents with a little tape, since it's being used as a vent in and out and laptop manufacturers do that.

[@scaryfish91]

It's not flush, the rubber corners raise it by a bit, but yeah, it could definitely do with a bit more breathing space!

[@falsemcnuggethope]

That's all I wondered about during the whole video. I'm pretty sure they thought about it but didn't mention it to get comments for driving engagement and get a boost in the recommendation algorithm.

[@declan767]

What about, water cool the keyboard XD

[@amehu]

Exactly 👌

[@dstarfire42]

I love how Tanner always has what they need when they encounter an issue or decide to go a different direction. It's like he thought through the different ways they could go and gathered all the parts they'd need for each different path.

[@fran2911]

Almost like it's his job

[@ehenningsen]

The new M3 laptops run 50°C plus at tge surface now. Super hot

[@elone3997]

Like 'Radar' from the Tv series 'Mash'! (obscure reference!)

[@njoshua3265]

@@fran2911 Having a job doesn't mean you are good at it, nothing wrong with appreciating something done well.

[@MixturexD]

​@@elone3997Ah yes, that very obscure show that was nominated for 100+ emmy's and won multiple golden globes

[@Haltroy]

The entire "suitcase computer" idea just reminds me the first Compaq portable lines. The entire MS-DOS computer in a suitcase format that has both keyboard and monitor built-in and can be expandable just like this one.

[@EntropicTroponin]

I remember my father brought one that had a crt in it. That 'portable' laptop was over 10 kg (22lbs)

[@yellingintothewind]

We used the first version of those, with the guts ripped out and replaced with i386 PCs, in the mid 90s as portable workstations. At some point I want to upgrade one of them again with an LCD and a raspberry pi, just for old times sake.

[@TheEricShen]

Kaypro baby.

[@mattrogers6646]

I had one of those 1982 Compaq 8086's as my first PC. Loved learning DOS on it. The amazing part was that the keyboard folded up to cover the monitor and disk drives to become the bottom panel, that is how sturdy they built keyboards back then.

[@Jdbye]

That was my first thought as well. They were called luggables, and I think this is very much in the spirit of that. Although it seems like they just modified an off the shelf pelican case, rather than design something tailor made for housing PC parts. This could be done so much better with a tailor made case. For one, it's way too bulky and heavy. The luggables of old had reasons to be big and bulky, since they contained full size floppy drives and full size keyboards, and in many cases a CRT display. This thing could've been made thinner and certainly could've been made a lot lighter without really sacrificing much.

[@fridaycaliforniaa236]

Holy kwapp I'm not even past the intro and this thing looks like the classic "nuclear-missile-activation-code-briefcase" that you can find in any American film 😂

[@acmeportablegmbh9708]

I'm placing this here to clarify that this is not a manufactured unit by us, but a replica. Our collection includes a range of chassis options that are not only more aesthetically pleasing but also lighter and sturdier, catering to various preferences. Additionally, we offer multi-monitor solutions, such as the NotePAC III Pro V.

[@Nosuchthing24]

This seems like the kind of PC that needs to travel occasionally, but not too often. A desk built specifically for it, where the whole body is built in and maybe supplemented by extra fans would be really cool.

[@DoubleMonoLR]

That's what I though too, though in that "case" it could be better just to have a monitor attached to the case, and a detachable keyboard & mouse.

[@nopers2223322]

Wish it had an OLED

[@sk-sm9sh]

I think the main use case for this thing is some situations where people have need for certain specialized pcie devices that have to be moved around. There is really no good reason why you'd want this over a high performance laptop if you goal is to have something that can be moved. It's certainly not for gaming as display and keyboard are not up to specs and I don't think it's for high spec workloads as again you would want more serious monitors for those situations and also more serious case cooling. Despite it's large size it's cooling options are quite limited and so in this case you'll unlikely to even be able to put anything together that would beat high end gaming laptops. It's basically for someone who happens to have something weird to put in PCIE slot and they need to carry it around.

[@Tzphardi]

As a vanlife gamer who travels due to poor health and a desire to see the world, this actually fits me very well. Might buy one and add in extra ventillation.

[@bryrusmi4001]

Well... It looks robust and 80's portable at least, which I always like because on its customableity.

[@adamfarmer7665]

if you are in a van a normal gaming laptop is better since it would use less electricity from the van.

[@ThinkAboutVic]

@@adamfarmer7665you could build this with low power parts like intel’s T series CPUs

[@davidfernelz]

prolly better to get a framework

[@dustojnikhummer]

​@@ThinkAboutVicLower power CPU sure, but not a GPU

[@nukedathlonman]

Put a 3D Printer to use - make a funnel for that filtered intake up to the fan on the GPU. 😀 This is a seriously awesome build!

[@InfernosReaper]

Better use would be adding some way to get more airflow than the thin corner pieces allow for.

[@FlintTD]

They could also build funnel for an extra exhaust port (from the top of the GPU, out of the uppermost PCI slot)! It might help keep wrist temperatures down!

[@nukedathlonman]

@@FlintTD That's a very good idea! 👍👍

[@InfernosReaper]

@@FlintTD Yeah, that would probably work wonders for that since it's the hottest part due to that being where the heat blows straight towards

[@freednighthawk]

That's exactly what I was thinking. Go old school Dell style, duct everything.

[@maddevskilz1786]

About 20 years ago I worked on the V22 Osprey (the tilt-rotor helicopter) project at Bell Helicopter for the US Marines. We had a suitcase machine that housed a Sun SPARC 10. The specs said it had to be able to be dropped from the wing of the aircraft onto the tarmac and still run. It also had to run with temperature ranges from the south pole to the Arabian desert. It was lined with something heavy like lead because the thing weight about 40 pounds. I assumed it was to block radio emissions, but I didn't ask. This reminds me of that. The computer was used to run the Interactive Electronic Training Manual System (IETMS) which was basically the user manual for the aircraft. This reminds me of that. It was literally a SPARC 10 machine loaded into a metal briefcase with a monitor fixed into the upper lid.

[@LycanWitch]

8:46 Linus channeling his inner Tommy Wiseau, the way he said *not*, totally reminded me of: "I did not hit her, it's not true! It's bs! I did not hit her!. I did *not*. Oh hi Mark!"

[@OddlyIncredible]

That would be WONDERFUL for a portable data acquisition setup. Pop in a suitably large enterprise drive for data storage along with a PCIe DAQ card or two, and you could real-time monitor a bunch of things _and_ have the processing power needed to research the data it stores.

[@kaukospots]

It's clearly intended for industrial uses like that, and not gaming lol

[@someonespotatohmm9513]

@@kaukospots Except it isnt ruggid enough, and a laptop will be better. If you don't have internet it is safe to asume you need a properly ruggid device. If you do have internet, use a laptop, and if that isn't fast enough it is time to use some remote server you connect to using your laptop (or tablet/phone).

[@DoubleMonoLR]

@@someonespotatohmm9513 It's clearly reasonably rugged, and the point of this format seems very likely to allow the use of cards etc that you couldn't in a conventional laptop.

[@absalomdraconis]

​@@someonespotatohmm9513 : I've used those rugged laptops, and they're both expensive, and slow to drop in price. Getting enough computing power is far from guaranteed, and the possibility of needing specialty cards could be a deal breaker.

[@devonwilliams2423]

im talking out my ass but im ASSuming this case is 1000% novelty and not intended for any legit work spce haha

[@samk2407]

I do actually think it's got a usecase especially if you're someone who spends time in multiple living locations, like a student or someone who moves around a lot for work. Sure it's not portable by hand, but the "just chuck it in your car factor" is really appealing compared to a normal desktop that you'd have to be a lot more careful how you pack up.

[@jamesphillips2285]

That HDMI cable looks easy to damage if you forget to unplug it.

[@Anankin12]

​@@jamesphillips2285everything is extremely damageable if you forget to do basic stuff. I'd be more concerned about the cooler doing stuff while in transit

[@jamesphillips2285]

@@Anankin12 That big GPU too. Really need a hold-down bracket to safely transport a card that size.

[@chucklesdeclown8819]

i feel like there are cases that are way better for it though

[@cescimes]

... so a normal laptop would suffice ;)

[@Big007Boss]

Really makes you appreciate what Framework is doing.

[@indigomizumi]

Almost makes me want to see Framework make this exact thing. I doubt they would but it would be funny.

[@bjre.wa.8681]

What ever happened to "Frameworks" ?? Did Linus ever recover his "Seed" money?

[@ChaoticDucc]

​@@bjre.wa.8681Framework is doing great. They have fully released their 13inch AMD laptop and are finalizing work and fixing the last remaining issues on their 16inch laptop, before it goes out.

[@666Tomato666]

@@bjre.wa.8681 still growing, and Linus is definitely not anywhere near cashing in on the gains

[@cullen36]

​@@bjre.wa.8681no idea what his investment is looking like but the company is still growing with new product announcements, shipping to more countries, and as a customer I'd say they're doing things right.

[@lasersharks]

Idea for Linus 1 week challenge locked in a room with tech from the 50s until now each day he gets a new decades worth of tech

[@Atown0921]

Now watercool it.

[@judgedeath1974]

I think there is definitely a way to improve the graphics side temps from effecting the top. Pci slot blower exhaust fan while noisy could help move the air quickly instead of passively out the back.

[@Gtoonm]

Mark my words, a year from now we'll have dozens of "professionals" thanking Linus for introducing them to this case that fits their very specific very niche line of work. And the company that made it will release a 2nd version since they had some unexpected success thanks to this video

[@LaserFur]

lookup BSI computer FieldGo. It has a fold down keyboard and 3 fold out screens. The big difference with these vs this one is that the keyboard is thin and the PC is in the back.

[@trashandchaos]

Definitely goofy for gaming use but you gotta appreciate that something like this exists for the people who have a genuine need for it. Thermal issues are pretty bad but if you were doing something really performance intensive out in the field where the laptop vs desktop components could really make a difference (maybe FPGA compilation or something?), $400 isn't a crazy price for that kind of convenience.

[@rijjhb9467]

@@trashandchaos Exactly. KZbin reviewers (even at LMG) are always dismissive with devices that have a specific niche use case.

[@Daunlouded]

Nice idea but there is definitely "room" for improvement. The keyboard needs some protection from the heat like a shield. Sides could have more intake/exhaust holes with removable covers to allow both airflow and keep that solid look as it's trying to look like a briefcase.

[@AMPProf]

I THINK. The government said No ! Lolzzzz 😂

[@royk7712]

if you use blower style gpu, it would much more sense. intake from the top preventing hot air touching the top case and exhaust entire hot air through the back

[@AngryApple]

I also would probably use a HDMI extender so that you dont have such a long cable hanging from the back.

[@LaserFur]

I prefer my BSI computer FieldGo M9 the big difference with these vs this is that the keyboard is thin and the PC is in the back.

[@Sam_on_YouTube]

I thought about building something like that about 20 years ago. Only mine would have been bigger. My thoughts was a top of the line editing computer that ran completely silent for use on film sets where weight and cost are not really issues but noise and power are.

[@Rippedyanu1]

Definitely could use some improvements (1440p monitor and a heat shield for the trackpad and keyboard) as well as better safety setup for the thermals but this is a really solid idea. I would LOVE to build an SFF computer like this!

[@WhyOOWhenCanOOIIO]

Yeah but then the case would cost $5,000.00😒 Since Linus has done this video, the case is now $1,830.00 on aliexpress 🙄

[@KoraOSRS]

Now have Alex design and machine your own LTT PC suit case! I'm _sure_ you guys could do better, I feel like you guys would figure out a cool way of transplanting a good keyboard and laptop trackpad into it or something haha

[@rustedgaming8224]

I would love to see that, and i am sure that there are customers out there for it

[@hueanao]

Even a good keyboard would be uncomfortable. The chassis is simply too high. An external keyboard would be required for this case.

[@RickValdez]

O​@@hueanao

[@Tech-WonDo]

I don’t think someone is going to really use the keyboard that much cause you can’t really sit on the desk since it’s like 15 cm thick; so the built in Keyboard might be more of a backup incase you forgot your external wired/wireless keyboard and mouse But it’s definitely better if it’s not that Hot; Absolutely Agree; All in Ones are always appreciated than carrying your house around

[@KoraOSRS]

@@Tech-WonDo yeah for sure, it would just be a fun video is all I meant

[@wizardofki]

You pretty much built my dream PC in a large briefcase - lol. $8,000 - $25,000 for a portable PC is highway robbery. Now, can Linus and his team improve it so that it doesn't burn your hands while using it?

[@foldionepapyrus3441]

Really should have flipped the GPU fan - then you are not actively pushing heat at the keyboard but instead out the vent you cut (some extra rubber feet for a little air gap might be a good idea). Really nice case though, way quicker and easier than putting the ATX in a flight case yourself (which I have done myself back when desktop replacement laptops didn't exist and 3d printers were more lab or really early adopter curiosity than consumer products).

[@owlstead]

I think building one of your own using an old laptop, an ITX motherboard with suitable screen IO, a cheap ITX case with removable motherboard tray and of course a suitecase would get you better results. Hacking the suitecase would probably be the hardest part.

[@ShooterQ]

Nerds rolling dice for NVME drives is the best gag I've ever seen on any LTT content.

[@asdprogram]

I've actually thought about diy laptops a lot for some reason. I feel like it could've been done so much better even without framework. For instance there are the less common thin mini itx form factor motherboards, adding a reduced power am4 cpu (with a ge suffix), mounting a laptop cooler and adding laptop fans. Those laptops usually support 19 volts, so I suggest we need to connect 5 3.7V li-ion batteries in series and then somehow plug them to the motherboard, probably to the 4 pin connector. In the end we just need to add the necessary equipments for instance monitor, a slim keyboard, touchpad, speakers and extra connector hubs and then 3d print a case or somehow make one and then done. Probably a complete step guide how to make a diy laptop.

[@-f10pyz-]

I actually think this is a pretty good idea it just needs to be worked on

[@haphazard1342]

Definitely a little more trial and error on fan placement to maximize total case flow and I think they'd be able to kill that GPU hot spot. Might also require a little foil tape heat shielding on the back of the keyboard. But with the right airflow strategy I think they could really lower those case temps.

[@hiemsnox]

you should rebuild this with custom water cooling, break away connectors, and a portable chiller unit. the ultimate LAN setup

[@WhatHappenedIn-vt3vq]

If this was a fully finished finished product complete with fully fleshed out vents/thermals, I'd want whole shops dedicated to building these. It would be the perfect gift for someone just finishing up high-school and wants to start a build that they can keep running for the next 4-8 years but knows they probably wont be able to keep a full desktop in good shape during all the moving, or college students who needs a full power device but has to consider dorm space. All the extra space to know you'll actually be able to fit tour components is just icing on the cake

[@milotheham9678]

The thermal camera made this absolutely insane. So much information

[@jefez75]

4:21 I love the fact that the one time Colin lets out any dialogue/voice in the main LTT channel, it's one where he is shouting 😂

[@ZORU11]

wait where else you saw him speak?

[@SunbleachedAngel]

I was legit beginning to suspect he's mute lol

[@jefez75]

@@ZORU11 Mac Address, the 'Stop using Chrome' video

[@ZORU11]

@@SunbleachedAngel same

[@ZORU11]

@@jefez75 thank you. I've heard it now. now I am satisfied.

[@alexisrivera200xable]

Definitely workable with a more modest GPU and a little better cooling. One Idea I have to fix the hurtful temps for the keyboard is a thin layer of insulation underneath the entire top to keep the keyboard cooler while adding more exhaust. If it will keep climbing towards equilibrium with the GPU/CPU temps it will cook the trackpad. Definitely would like to see a follow up video showing some of these mods or with more conservative hardware that still performs better than a comparable laptop. The form factor definitely looks right at home for industrial environment applications.

[@gaweyn]

my worry is not cooking the trackpad but not cooking it, it really looks like from the 90ies and that keyboard is stolen from a 100$ android tablet.

[@Midicow]

I'd enjoy seeing a follow up video where you guys engineer this briefcase laptop to improve the thermals and safety and weatherproofing. Or design your own improved version. I know 'every idea has been done before' but what if you make something legitimately useful for your team or find some application for it? (or heck, ltt briefcase barebone. Next to the briefs.)

[@drifter4training]

sweet idea.. hope the next iteration lap chassis design is more streamlined and thinner... and make another laptop chassis (design resemble the GRiD Compass) that can fit a dr zaber mini itx pc, 15 to 16 inch screen, a space slot for a 60% mech keyboard and mouse.. that would be awesome

[@fluffyjello]

This for someone who runs hybrid event live streaming would be great though. The PCIe slots allow capture cards and you can have dedicated GPUs for media encoding or rendering in real time.

[@johnhogg9756]

I much prefer the old style of a tower style pc where one side unclips and you had the LCD on side of pc case and the cover you unclipped is a desktop style keyboard. Always thought a modern version of this style system would be a great lan party machine when you want full desktop power

[@JayDoscher]

Case Ace!!

[@DoubleMonoLR]

For gaming, sure, but it obviously wasn't designed with that in mind.

[@johnhogg9756]

@@DoubleMonoLR aye cos that kinda case wouldn’t work for mobile medical or some other technical/visual profession :/ ???

[@LaserFur]

lookup BSI computer FieldGo M9. It has a fold down keyboard and 3 fold out screens. The big difference with these vsthis one is that the keyboard is thin and the PC is in the back.

[@silversonic1]

I feel like this can be improved upon, especially the latching mechanism. Plus there needs to be a panel to protect the rear I/O.

[@absalomdraconis]

Rear I/O should ideally be "internal" I/O instead. Basically have a well inside the case to run cables into, probably have it be part of the airflow too.

[@sk-sm9sh]

​@@absalomdraconis this case is not for someone who needs a "portable" high performance pc. If you need portable and performance just get high and laptop this is clearly not built to compete with high end laptops as display and keyboard in this thing is very low end and cooling potential is very limiting so you won't be able to put high end parts in it anyways. It appears it's main use case that it's trying to solve is basically for the kind of situation where someone has something weird to put in PCIE slot and they need it to be portable. One way I can imagine how this can be used is as a networking setup/debugging tool in server rack environment as you can put heavy network cards in it with multiple high bandwidth ports and can use it to inspect your networking in your server rack.

[@contentsdiffer5958]

@@sk-sm9sh You say that, but it's actually pretty great for topology optimization and the like. Not everything needs a fancy display or keyboard. I'm currently in that situation. It would cost about 1800-2000 for a laptop that can even run the programs I need, or I throw together lower end desktop parts in a portable case and call it a day. That's what I've been building, yet this would be a more portable version of it.

[@AdamsWorlds]

I actually think these are a good idea, better than an external GPU solution anyway! Have you thought about making custom HDMI cable with fiber optic cables and just buying an end for each end of the cable?

[@Jehty_]

How is this better than an external GPU? With an external GPU you still have an usable laptop. With this case not at all.

[@AdamsWorlds]

@@Jehty_ depends what you are doing, on location for a film set, needing to do some high demand stuff. Plenty of use cases for it (hence why they sell them for real already made). If where you are going has power and you dont need it on the trip its awesome. This said this case looks like its going to give you some bad wrist strain so need to have external mouse/keyboard. Its at the point that a smaller PC and a projector/foldable monitor might be a better goto. Plus as a millennial when i hit my teens i dreamed of dumb stuff like this lol. (i have built some really sketchy stuff from PC's inside milk boxes to fish tank PCs)

[@Jehty_]

@@AdamsWorlds if what you wanted to say was "this is a good idea for extremely special use cases" then you should say that. Don't make blanket statements and then be surprised that people disagree...

[@Jehty_]

@@imustbust998 another problem is that the keyboard and trackpad are at an uncomfortable height. So unless you are using it while standing I don't see how it could ever be usable.

[@Jehty_]

@@imustbust998 how many hours per day do you spend in a gym? According to the listing the case alone weighs 10 Kg. That's not something my legs can handle.

[@communalnoodle1356]

Actually, I can see a great use case for it - this would be a great "Server" case for early next year when all the trade E shows are on and you want to take a bunch of editors with you.

[@Skagzi1la]

I think this thing should come with oven mitts, not a rain coat. Still, this is a pretty hot idea though

[@RiceCubeTech]

Linus goes to the airport: immediately gets watchlisted 😂

[@ianbuchanan02]

id totally love to see you guys do stuff to make this mobile pc better cooled and more improved!

[@laundrybasketdemon]

This is the ultimate framework laptop

[@Ghfvhvfg]

The framework graphic workhorse

[@keomg4718]

framework for adults made by adults

[@QuintanGrassmyer]

17:30 the hour glass had me choking for air 😂 "Scientific endeavors"

[@JeremyBrightenburg]

Put felt heat shielding used in the automotive word I'd bet that would fix the heat problems

[@skyhigh24]

As you mentioned: for LAN i would scrap the Keyboard and Trackpad and do a Plexi or Metal Sheet with Ventholes for the GPU. Just using normal USB Mouse and Keyboard. Pro: Temps are down, no burned hands since you dont interact with the Top Plate. Con: You have to take Keyboard and Mouse seperate with you

[@mrjack08722]

Yeah and you could get the temps even further down with a more low power GPU, i mean you dont need a 4070 for 1080p 60fps.

[@feyntmistral1110]

I think this is a good idea, with a but. If it were fashioned such that a modern GPU can sit in a different orientation (vertical instead of horizontal), that keyboard issue wouldn't be an issue at all. You have that grill on the side right next to where the GPU would go. If the PCIe mounting bracket could be rotated 90 degrees and allowed you to mount the card more or less flush with that grill, it would make the keyboard WAY, way more comfortable to use. That, and the lack of an internal battery, are honestly the only things I'd fault this for. And I don't even think the battery would be viable due to heat concerns.

[@AltonV]

Maybe adding some insulation beneath the keyboard?

[@sid6645]

Actually if they just flipped the GPU so that it exhausted out of the speed hole they made, it wouldn't have been an issue to begin with lol.

[@Netryon]

@@AltonV Don't wish us so much Christmas Holiday keyboards.

[@AnonymousMaykr]

This seems awesome for a LAN party. Or you could just attach a handle to a SFF case

[@jokuemt]

awesome for two minutes until your hand is literally on fire

[@Nilboggen]

I was thinking the same thing but as a game server.

[@AltonV]

@@jokuemt just use another keyboard and mouse

[@ShinyMooTank]

I mean Asus rog ally or legion go would be simpler than a laptop with no battery.

[@jokuemt]

@@AltonV if you are gonna carry another set of keyboard and mouse, then you might as well do the build in SFF case

[@thehoundofanubis777]

Reminds me a bit of my rig. Got my laptop inside a hard case with a fan cooler underneath and the power supply off to the side. haven't really seen anyone else do it, but it sure works. Granted it's heavy, but I carry around 64gb of ram, 4tb internal plce nvme, and a 4k display all in one neat package. The thermal management isn't bad at all.

[@calebrasak6941]

I actually love this form factor haha. I would totally build in this. I work on the road most of the year so having a full "lugtop" / desktop set up would be rad. I would love to replace the screen though too.

[@thecalvinprice]

Something like this would be great as a little 'disaster recovery' setup for SMBs that have their own local server(s), especially in areas prone to things like earthquakes, etc

[@azlanjaher7979]

I cant help but think that the surface temperature issue could have been fixed by having the internals flipped (so back of the motherboard against the keyboard). Then maybe a partial mesh panel and/or bumper feet to allow for some airflow. Could help with the flex in the keyboard deck too.

[@Anankin12]

That would fix it if it was the CPU that did the heating. It's the GPU, so that would not fix a thing. A better solution would be to have the gpu oriented vertically, so it will blast the heat out the side and not up against the keyboard (and bottom). But then it would be excessively tall I guess

[@Klldarkness6008]

@@Anankin12 They would just need to go older GPU, not a 30 or 40 series. A low profile 1080 would fit vertically, and still be a monster for gaming on the go. a 580, or 480 from AMD would do pretty well, especially in FSR rated games.

[@pradeepmalar327]

They need to get the airflow better optimised to exhaust the hot air in better way

[@walkinmn]

Sure they could make it better, for this use case, but the keyboard getting that hot was just Linus doing a Linus. If you were actually making that build you can put some layer or film or even a metal shield with some insulating material to not let the heat go directly into the keyboard, the case was clearly not made for that GPU (they had to cut a hole at the bottom to make it work) so if you're going to modify it for that use then you can solve the keyboard heating issue.

[@Gl0ckb1te]

Easy, by flipping gpu to exhaust out the bottom and have the cut out for intake on top instead, problem solved.

[@pradeepmalar327]

@@Gl0ckb1te not a bad idea. That'll improve it much better.

[@Markimus29]

Hey man not sure if you see the comments anymore, but keep it up! Something about you're personality/delivery keeps me wathcing your channel over others!

[@ZorthVFX]

throwing the laptop in the beginning made me flinch

[@silenc3x]

This thing is sick. Very specific use cases, but for those use cases, nothing else will compete with this. Although for newer versions, it could use an OLED and better trackpad/keyboard.

[@WhyOOWhenCanOOIIO]

even if it did, it _still_ would not be worth the almost $2000 they are asking for the case...

[@danwhite3224]

I tried to build a portable briefcase PC a few years back but cooling was a NIGHTMARE, getting a keyboard and track pad to fit was really tricky and the entire thing weighed like 15kg (33lbs)... Unfortunately it just wasn't practical so I eventually disassembled it. Maybe some day I'll come back to it.

[@kepler_45]

I recently made one too, i made the briefcase and i managed to make it water cooled, its 8 kilos and i made the battery my self

[@rfitzgerald2004]

I think I definitely see a use case for it though especially for something like specialist test equipment which may require PCIe cards to connect to external devices, in such case you probably wouldn't need a discrete GPU

[@--_DJ_--]

Proof reading is your friend!

[@wilppuse]

you mean gpu

[@rfitzgerald2004]

@@wilppuse apologies, was typing blind because the text isn't showing as I type for some reason :) corrected now

[@--_DJ_--]

@rfitzgerald2004 Well, if that is the case, you did pretty damn good. I'd look like English was my third language, half the time, writing blind.

[@randominternetviewer166]

I honestly would want something like this. Didnt like that desktops are not portable and laptops are almost irrepairable and worse, when its hardware gets outdated, the entire laptop needs to be replaced. This product sits in between both in a good way.

[@MoronicAcid1]

Desktop PCs are in theory modular, but in practice, you're often buying a new computer every X number of years since there's always a new chipset coming out or some incompatibility with older hardware. The main advantage is the durability, better value parts, and having a full-power workstation that you can carry around.

[@J4CK-q7t]

TWO STRESS TESTS AT THE SAME TIME bro is trying to burn him self💀

[@FARBerserker]

i mean . . you could just use a much stronger APU and forgoe the external GPU completely. Less heat, more than enough power for the APU available because no dgpu is needing it. Lighter as well. And you could probably put something else usefull in there. Maybe a small UPS for the whole laptop feeling?

[@GoatingVirtual]

Looks like a laptop used in Black Ops 2 to plant the bomb in Search and Destroy

[@Souchirouu]

Is the lab far enough along to test that claim of that mediatech wifi chip being worse? I wanna know. I'll order more shirts if you do. They are very comfy after all.

[@iPhone-jj9ef]

As a Mac user, I want this! It looks like so much fun! I’d probably put windows 7 since that’s the last windows version I like. I’m okay with Linux, but I’m just more used to windows than Linux. I’d probably duel boot windows 7 with windows 10 for when I want to do real work.

[@tonykew]

Maybe 3D print a shroud to direct the air from the top of the GPU out the vent holes on the left side of the suitcase?

[@Enixious99]

I like the idea a lot actually, I just wish it was executed a little better for gaming! Thinking about how you would actually use it at, say, a LAN party; you probably won't be using the keyboard to game since holding your arm up would suck, but you would probably use the screen, so that would need an upgrade. Along with the trackpad and heat shielding for basic ease of use. I would totally use that, fun idea!

[@alexb0nd549]

it's easy to replace the stock keyboard with detaching BT keyboard

[@kaleb5926]

they seriously need to make a video improving this project. Holy shit when you think about the possibilities........

[@MrMini500]

If they made a 18inch version I’d totally buy one!

[@RaineyPeng]

I doubt many people were thinking “if only it was bigger”

[@AMPProf]

Needs a rolling screen and a 6.1 surround set 9f speakers

[@TheBond4141]

I'd be interested to see if you couldn't water cool the system with an external radiator, then water proof the inside to make it immune to rain, spills, etc. Would also help with the temps.

[@adamgarlow5347]

I would unironically daily this thing if it was a little thinner and things like the trackpad, keyboard, and screen were a little higher spec. So cool

[@deezynar]

You'll solve multiple problems at once if you swap the positions of the keyboard and monitor. Move the keyboard to the lid, and the monitor to the inside of the case. To make that work, the case will need to sit upright when it's working, and not laying down as it does now. This suggestion helps ventilation and cooling by allowing ventilation holes to be located in more places in the case. And having the unit stand vertically helps with air stratification. Another benefit is that it locates the keyboard away from the heat generating components. And having the keyboard in the lid drops it in height so it's closer to the height of the table top that the unit is sitting on. That helps ergonomics / comfort for the user. Someone needs to make a unit like I'm suggesting, and do it out of a lightweight material like aluminum, carbon fiber, or even titanium, so it's not as heavy as a sack of cement. People would invest in a case like this because the internals can be upgraded in the future.

[@joebot86]

It being at any angle other than 90 degrees would be an issue, maybe a little too prone to just falling over

[@deezynar]

@@joebot86 My desktop computer stands up. It has never tipped over.

[@joebot86]

@@deezynar yes, but a laptop screen at a 90 degree angle to the keyboard is often uncomfortable

[@deezynar]

@@joebot86 Do you mean a monitor screen that's perfectly plumb is uncomfortable? If that's your concern, there's no reason the monitor can't be hinge mounted so it can tilt.

[@limysyenpai537]

I think flipping the exhaust fan cause all the hot air to just stay inside, and way the case was designed it being an exhaust fan made sense since it would pull cool air from the other side basically cooling the entire chassis.

[@rightwingsafetysquad9872]

Then in this configuration it would just reverse the airflow path. It may have moved the hot spot to the other side of the case, but it didn't cause it. It is basically always better to have more intake than exhaust fans.

[@matthewbrooks5511]

There is no way that gpu is getting air being flat to the table.

[@Taz_Olson]

I can't help but feel like after seeing other builds that you guys have done that you could have done a much better job with some smarter cooling solutions

[@romeo5239]

And they cut a giant hole for a fan but never elavated it

[@dragonmaster1500]

As long as you had a generator that could make for a decent field laptop for UAV/Drone operators. Provided you could solve the overheating issue.

[@Arjay404]

the worst part about the heat is that it's exactly where you are going to rest your left hand and use most of the keys in gaming. Best solution for this would be to flip the motherboard 90 degrees and have the videocard lined up towards the top of the keyboard, on or above the numpad keys and then have the I/O come out from the right side.

[@GGnext.crazycro]

The real question is: How durable is it to drops?

[@rfitzgerald2004]

Love the overall design of the case but the only thing bothering me is the external HDMI port. I'd like to see the card recessed a bit more within the case that would allow a 90 degree HDMI adapter to sit flush with the bottom. I'd like to see a method to fit a battery as well, maybe using a PicoPSU internally and using the external C13 to charge the battery

[@NicholasOrlick]

We have these in the army set up as mini servers in a tactical command post that’ll support 10-20 workstations. Tsi small v2. Is what it’s call. The keyboard that comes with it is an absolute pain in the ass because it’s rubberized “tactical”

[@Kaloyan-trains]

Finally a DIY Laptop

[@Ben4A]

*framework enters the room*

[@Kaloyan-trains]

@@Ben4A I wanted to make my ibm ThinkPad into a sleeper, but it will be too hard

[@heavytank2]

Love it. But I am pretty sure that is some left over 1998 stuff. Going by the VGA cable. haha.

[@rayparker8802]

Would love to see another build like this, but just going all out! Like a modern Dell Xps M2010. An OLED display, mechanical keyboard, into a brick of a PC.

[@Chronovengers]

I would love this for an Ableton live stage rig with legacy pcie connections. Like for my firewire 400 rack interface… or i could just get a better interface

[@haphazard1342]

Wouldn't it be even more convenient to build a short depth server for one of those mixing board 19" rack flight cases? A short depth 4U would definitely fit in a ProX T-6MRSS13ULT, and leave you room for a board, MIDI/synth/pad on top.

[@Chronovengers]

​@@haphazard1342 I made 4u rack comp for to pair with my digi rack 003+ back in the day. Mostly I think a flip up screen would have been great for it. I really wanted to avoid the look of having a macbook on stage lol.

[@yo.adrian]

I thought this video would be about a DIY Framework laptop.

[@adamhypnotiq]

same ngl

[@anonymoususerinterface]

yh same, i wonder if that will happen in the future

[@crax5218]

I want to see custom watercolling in this thing soooo bad 👀

[@dreiback182]

I like that you explained your reasons of the choice of the parts

[@russell6167]

Wow, this truly is a versatile and flexible build... you can use it to game, work, or heat up your lunch!

[@stormtechofficial]

There’s enough space in that thing for enough RBG to make the sun look like a flashlight from AliExpress. Definitely for gamers.

[@jeschinstad]

I love these types of projects. I have several ideas on my bucket list. I really wouldn't mind having a 1" thick laptop if the features justified it. This suitcase would've been too much for me though. :) One of my ideas is a compartmentalized laptop, where you have multiple ARM SBCs and a physical KVM switch. That way, you could have completely isolated computing in the same laptop that's connected to the internet. I think that could be a cool build, but I've just never gotten around to it. Also, the SBCs haven't been suitable for it all that long.

[@MechAdv]

I actually am in the process of building something like this, but more modular using a 6L ITX case. I love this concept of integrating a track pad and keyboard though like an actual laptop though.

[@V8Power5300]

I built one a few years ago with a 600wH battery pack. Used a pico PSU and buck/boost converter for more 12V power. Was recharged by a custom Li-Ion charger

[@vguyver2]

I would not have bothered trying to use a high spec machine for this. I actually wanted a budget portable arcade setup. Grab a ARM Cortex A9 Quad-core processor with maybe a PSA-S812-004 motherboard and you should be able to get a very light portable emulation system. Maybe convert the hollowed inside case to include a controller storage flap or have a portable built in battery bank. Granted you could also go the extra mile and just throw in a busted but rescued laptop motherboard in the case to do the same, but I like the simplicity and lower power draw of an arm processor setup.

[@charlescostain8066]

Man.. There has to be enough room in that chassis for at least 8-9 18650s and a charge controller(built-in UPS) Combo that with a dell-like sheet metal shroud over the GPU exhausting hells inferno out of the side of the case through "speed holes". That system could be the ultimate camping / gaming / baller machine xD. 3 panel memes fold out Monitor, better keyboard/trackpad combo. Also.. and this is the kicker, you could make a stand for the case that doubles as 2 burners.. xD turn the machine on its side put some ramen up there might want to angle the screens away a little. In your tent you have portable heater.. Even at idle

[@ichiman715]

Would love to see what LTT could come with for one of those high priced units you mentioned at the end. I think you guys could make something pretty cool expecially with all the expertise you have with ordering off Taobao and Aliexpress.

[@Lunas2525]

It is a shame about the hdmi cord there should be a better solution than a cable out the back. As for the keyboard heat issue a shroud out the back io slot not used.

[@hacubemehh2638]

as i was watching this i realized that this would be an EXELLENT case for a home server because it already has a keyboard monitor and trackpad while staying pretty compact

[@CentreMetre]

The round filter makes it look like a bomb